Eduard EX1017 - 1:48 Gannet AS.1/AS.4 TFace masks

Eduard EX1017 mask set – canopy painting masks for the Gannet AS.1/AS.4 model (Airfix) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX1017 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the Gannet AS.1/AS.4 model from Airfix. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The base kit is not included. The TFace version includes masks for both the exterior and interior of the glazing.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper in the TFace version – separate masks for the exterior and interior of the glazing, plus wheel hub masks
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX1017
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: Gannet AS.1/AS.4 from Airfix
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks (TFace version)
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Self-adhesive painting masks – crisp canopy frame edges

Eduard masks are self-adhesive stencils die-cut from low-tack yellow Kabuki masking paper suited to delicate model surfaces. They cover the clear areas of the glazing and leave only the canopy framing exposed, so that after airbrushing you get sharp, even frame edges – hard to achieve when masking by hand with tape.

The recommended method is to apply the masks to clean, degreased glazing, press the edges down firmly and then airbrush the paint. Once the paint has dried, the masks are removed. The masks are intended for single use and should not be left on the model for a long time.

About the aircraft – Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4:

The Fairey Gannet was a British carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft from the early 1950s. It was a low-wing monoplane with a double-cranked wing, housing a three-man crew and a large weapons bay. Its distinctive feature was the Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba twin turboprop, driving two coaxial contra-rotating propellers; one power section could be shut down to save fuel on long patrols.

The Gannet entered Fleet Air Arm service in 1955. The AS.1 and AS.4 versions were used to search for and attack submarines, carrying torpedoes, depth charges and electronic equipment. Later airborne early-warning and training variants were developed. The type was also operated by other nations.

Original specifications (Fairey Gannet AS.1/AS.4):

• Length: 13.10 m
• Wingspan: 16.56 m
• Height: 4.18 m
• Take-off weight: approx. 10,200 kg
• Crew: 3
• Powerplant: Armstrong Siddeley Double Mamba turboprop, approx. 3000 hp
• Max speed: approx. 500 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 7600 m
• Range: approx. 1500 km
• Armament: torpedoes, depth charges and bombs in the weapons bay, rockets on wing pylons
• Production: approx. 350 built, from 1953

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech manufacturer of scale model kits and modelling accessories, established in 1989 and based in Obrnice. The company is widely recognised among aircraft modellers for its own 1:48 and 1:72 kits and for an extensive range of upgrade accessories: photo-etched parts, Brassin resin components, decals and painting masks. Eduard masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper and designed for specific plastic kits, ensuring an accurate fit to the shape of the canopy and other details. The EX mask series covers hundreds of items dedicated both to Eduard kits and to kits from other manufacturers.